Martin Reisert
School: Oak Valley Middle School
District: Poway Unified School District
County: San Diego County
Region: Southern California
Grade: Middle School
Subject: History
Award Year: 2013
“I have based the core of my teaching philosophy on these four words, ‘I believe in you.’ When children know I believe in them, learning occurs, and they begin to believe in themselves.” —Martin Reisert, from his 2013 California Teacher of the Year Application
Reisert has taught multiple subjects, Gifted and Talented Education, and Resource Specialist Program clusters at Oak Valley Middle School since 2005. His prior experience includes teaching similar subjects at Bernardo Heights Middle School and Chaparral Elementary School. He also has extensive experience providing staff development, mentorships, and training for other teachers.
“Mr. Reisert became the wonderful teacher he is today by living through a challenging childhood and the joy of having a teacher who believed in him,” said Torlakson. “He knows if he can instill a sense of confidence in his students, then they can succeed and change their lives for the better.”
Reisert earned his Master of Science degree in education-elementary education and Bachelor degree in business administration at Dowling College, New York. He received his Teaching Credential from the State of New York as well as California. He is a member of two professional associations, the Poway Federation of Teachers and the United States Professional Tennis Association. He also received numerous accolades, including San Diego County Teacher of the Year, Poway Unified School District Teacher of the Year, and Oak Valley Middle School Teacher of the Year, among others.